Apparatus, systems and methods for control of media content event recording

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are operable to record a user-specified media content event at a media device. An exemplary embodiment grabs a series of subsequently received image frames from a preceding broadcasting media content event after a monitored real time reaches a closing credits monitor time, wherein the closing credits monitor time is a recording start time less a predefined duration. The embodiment then analyzes each of the image frames to identify an occurrence of text presented in the analyzed image frame, determines that the identified text corresponds to closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event if the at least one attribute of the identified text matches a corresponding predefined closing credits attribute, and initiates a start of the recording of the user-specified media content event in response to determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event.

BACKGROUND

Media devices, such as a set top box, a computer system, or another electronic device, are configured to receive media content events that are broadcast by a media content provider over a broadcast type communication system. The media content provider concurrently broadcasts many media content events to a plurality of media devices, typically in one or more media content streams that are communicated to the media devices over a media system sourced from a remote head end facility operated by the media content provider. Non-limiting examples of such media systems include a satellite system, a cable system, a radio frequency (RF) communication system, and the Internet.

Typically, the media content event is theme based. The thematic media content event presents theme-based visual and audio content to a user for their enjoyment and/or for informative purposes. Examples of such theme-based media content events include movies, films, serial programming, sporting events, documentaries, newscasts, religious programs, commercials (typically of short duration with advertising content), or the like. Serial programming may present a continuing plot and/or theme, often with the same cast of actors, in a sequential episode-by-episode basis that is available periodically.

Users of a particular media device are able to identify the broadcast times and/or channels of particular media content events of interest by viewing an Electronic Program Guide (EPG). Typically, the EPG presents information about the broadcast schedule of the media content events. The EPG, for any particular media content event, indicates a scheduled broadcast start time, a scheduled broadcast end time, a channel identifier that identifies the channel that is broadcasting the media content event, and supplemental information describing the media content event (such as the title and/or other descriptive information).

In some situations, the user of the media device may configure their media device to record a currently broadcasting media content event and/or a media content event that is scheduled for future broadcast to the media device. Here, the media device is configured to begin recording (storing) at a recording start time and end recording at a recording end time. The recording end and start times are determinable from the EPG information which specifies the scheduled broadcast start time and the scheduled broadcast end time for the selected media content event. In some media devices, the user may specify the recording start and end times, and the broadcasting channel (identified by a channel identifier), to define a recording of a particular media content event of interest.

As the selected media content event is being received at the media device during its broadcast, the received media content event is stored into a recording media in accordance with the recording request initiated by the user. That is, the media device determines the recording start time (which corresponds to the EPG information that specifies the scheduled broadcast start time) and the recording end time (which corresponds to the EPG information that specifies the scheduled broadcast end time). When the recording start time occurs (when the actual time reaches the recording start time), the media device tunes to the channel (identified in the EPG information) that is broadcasting the selected media content event, and then begins the process of recording the broadcasting media content event. When the recording end time is reached (when the actual broadcasting time reaches the recording end time), the recording process ends.

Often, the user is not present to personally view the recorded media content event as it is being received by the media device. Thus, the user may later view the recorded media content event at their convenience.

In some instances, the recording start time does not match the actual broadcast start time. For example, an actual broadcast end time of a preceding broadcasting media content event on (being broadcasted on the same channel as the media content event to be recorded) extends beyond its scheduled broadcast end time. Accordingly, the conclusion of this preceding broadcasting media content event extends beyond the recording start time of the user-specified media content event to be recorded. Therefore, this concluding portion of the preceding broadcasting media content event will be recorded in error, and then the initial portion of the user-specified media content event to be recorded will start to be recorded by the media device. As the scheduled recording end time is reached (in real time), the user-specified media content event to be recorded may not have yet concluded. When the recording process ends (based on the recording end time), this concluding portion of the user-specified media content event to be recorded will not be recorded. Often, such failure to record the concluding portion of a media content event is very frustrating to the user. Further, the viewing user may have to view, or at least fast forward through, the concluding portion of the preceding broadcasting media content event, which may also be undesirable and frustrating to the user.

Various approaches to resolving the failure to record the concluding portion of the user-specified media content event have been devised. For example, some media devices are configured to automatically adjust the recording start time and or recording end time by some predefined duration (amount of time). That is, the EPG specified scheduled broadcast start time is identified, and then the predefined duration is added thereto to define the recording start time, such as one or more minutes. Similarly, the EPG specified scheduled broadcast end time is identified, and then the predefined duration is added thereto to define the recording end time. Thus, it is very probable that the entirety of the media content event will be recorded (along with some beginning portion of the preceding broadcasted media content event, which the user may simply ignore).

Yet in some instances, the concluding portion of the media content event may not be recorded. For example, the actual broadcast end time of the preceding broadcasting media content event may extend beyond the adjusted recording end time of the user-specified media content event to be recorded, such as when a sporting event play time is extended by one or more overtime play periods, or a broadcast of the preceding broadcasting media content event is interrupted by a special news event report.

Accordingly, there is a need in the arts to further improve the process of recording media content events so as to ensure that the entirety of the media content event is reliably recorded.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods of recording a user-specified media content event at a media device are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment grabs a series of subsequently received image frames from a preceding broadcasting media content event after a monitored real time reaches a closing credits monitor time, wherein the closing credits monitor time is a recording start time less a predefined duration. The embodiment then analyzes each of the image frames to identify an occurrence of text presented in the analyzed image frame, determines that the identified text corresponds to closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event if the at least one attribute of the identified text matches a corresponding predefined closing credits attribute, and initiates a start of the recording of the user-specified media content event in response to determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the following drawing:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a start of recording management system implemented in a media device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a start of recording management system 100 implemented in a media device 102, such as, but not limited to, a set top box (STB). Embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 may be implemented in other media devices, such as, but not limited to a digital video disc (DVD) player, a digital video recorder (DVR), a personal device assistant (PDA), a game playing device, a personal computer (PC), a smart phone, a note pad, or a netbook that are configured to present and/or record a video-based media content event that is received in a broadcasted media content stream 104.

Embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 are configured to monitor a concluding portion of a preceding broadcasting media content event (being received at the media device 102 on the same channel as a user-specified media content event to be recorded) to identify the end of that media content event based upon detection of its closing credits. Based on identification of the closing credits in the video portion of the preceding broadcasting media content event that occurs near the end of that preceding media content event, the process of recording the user-specified media content event to be recorded can be adjusted to ensure that the entirety of the user-specified media content event is recorded.

An example embodiment searches one or more image frames of the concluding portion of the preceding broadcasting media content event for text associated with its closing credits. Such text associated with the closing credits portion of that preceding media content event are appreciated by one skilled in the arts to be presented in the media content event at or very near its ending. Accordingly, the detection of the concluding portion of the preceding media content event enables the start of recording management system 100 to determine when to start the current recording of the user-specified media content event to be recorded, and to determine whether an adjustment to the recording end time is needed.

For example, a non-limiting embodiment detects the closing credits portion of the broadcasting preceding media content event using an optical character recognition process. Optionally, the recognized text is compared to associated closing credit information retrieved from a database. In an example embodiment, the media device 102 then continues to monitor for an ending of the closing credits portion of the preceding broadcasting media content event, such as when the closing credits are no longer presented (and thus are no longer detectable).

Alternative embodiments may analyze the closing credits to determine the end of a currently broadcasting preceding media content event in other manners. For example, some embodiments may determine the end of the preceding broadcasting media content event based on other image analysis techniques that identify one or more other image features/characteristics of the closing credits. Some embodiments may determine the end of the currently broadcasting preceding media content event based on an initial detection of multiple image attributes and/or other features of the closing credits, and then add a predefined delay duration to define the end of the preceding broadcasting media content event. Upon expiration of a delay duration after initial detection of the closing credits, the recording process can be initiated.

Additionally, or alternatively, information identifying the producing entity, and/or a trademarked logo (image graphics) may be included at or near the very end of the media content event, typically after the end of the text of any closing credits. Embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 may be configured to identify the producer's trademarked symbol and/or identifying text to determine the end of the preceding broadcasting media content event. Such producer-related information is included by definition to be part of the closing credits of a media content event.

In the various embodiments, the conclusion of presentation of the closing credits is associated with the end of the currently broadcasting preceding media content event. When the end of the preceding broadcasting media content event is determined, embodiment compare that time with the previously defined recording start time of the user-specified media content event to be recorded. If the end of the currently broadcasting preceding media content event occurs before the recording start time, no adjustments to the recording of the user-specified media content event to be recorded are required.

However, if the determined end of the currently broadcasting preceding media content event occurs after the previously defined recording start time, adjustments to the recording of the user-specified media content event are required. Based on identification of the closing credits in the video portion of the preceding broadcasting media content event that occurs near the end of that preceding media content event, the process of starting the recording of the user-specified media content event to be recorded can be initiated. In some embodiments, recording of the user-specified media content event to be recorded may be initiated in response to determining the ending of the presentation of the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event.

In other embodiments, a duration difference is determined between the previously defined recording start time and a time of the determined ending of the preceding broadcasting media content event (which is determined for the closing credits). Here, a real time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event are identified is determined. For example, but not limited to, the real time may be determined based on the initial identification of the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event. This determined real time is then associated with the ending of that the preceding broadcasting media content event. A determined duration is computed by a difference between the previously defined recording start time and the determined real time associated with the ending of the preceding broadcasting media content event. This determined duration is added to the previously determined recording start time to define an adjusted recording start time. When actual real time reaches the adjusted recording start time, the recording process is initiated.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the previously defined recording end time is adjusted to ensure that the concluding portion of the user-specified media content event is recorded. The above-described determined duration is added to the previously determined recording end time to define an adjusted recording end time. When actual real time reaches the adjusted recording end time, the recording process is concluded.

Alternative embodiments may determine the end of the currently broadcasting user-specified media content event in other manners. For example, but not limited to, other embodiments may determine the end of the user-specified media content event to be recorded based on detection of its closing credits (using any process described herein or later developed).

The exemplary media device 102 is communicatively coupled to a media presentation system 106 that includes a visual display device 108, such as a television (hereafter, generically a TV), and an audio presentation device 110, such as a surround sound receiver controlling an audio reproduction device (hereafter, generically, a speaker 112). Other types of output devices may also be coupled to the media device 102, including those providing any sort of stimuli sensible by a human being, such as temperature, vibration and the like. The video portion of the media content event is displayed on the display 114 and the audio portion of the media content event is reproduced as sounds by one or more speakers 112. In some embodiments, the media device 102 and one or more of the components of the media presentation system 106 may be integrated into a single electronic device.

The non-limiting exemplary media device 102 comprises a media content stream interface 116, a processor system 118, a memory 120, a program buffer 122, an optional digital video recorder (DVR) 124, a presentation device interface 126, a remote interface 128, an optional system clock 130, and an optional communication system interface 132. The memory 120 comprises portions for storing the media device logic 134, the frame grabber logic 136, the recording information 138, the electronic program guide (EPG) information 140, the optical character recognition (OCR) logic 142, the optional closing credits database 144, and the start of recording processing logic 146. In some embodiments, the media device logic 134, the frame grabber logic 136, the optical character recognition logic 142, and/or the start of recording processing logic 146 may be integrated together, and/or may be integrated with other logic. In some embodiments, the recording information 138, the electronic program guide (EPG) information 140, and/or the closing credits database 144 may be implemented in other memory media and/or may be incorporated with other data. In other embodiments, some or all of these memory and other data manipulation functions may be provided by using a remote server or other electronic devices suitably connected via the Internet or otherwise to a client device. Other media devices may include some, or may omit some, of the above-described media processing components. Further, additional components not described herein may be included in alternative embodiments.

The functionality of the media device 102, here a set top box, is now broadly described. In a satellite broadcast system, a media content provider provides media content that is received in one or more multiple media content streams 104 multiplexed together in one or more transport channels. The transport channels with the media content streams 104 are communicated to the media device 102 from a media system sourced from a remote head end facility (not shown) operated by the media content provider. The media device 102 is configured to receive one or more broadcasted satellite signals detected by an antenna (not shown). Non-limiting examples of other media systems that broadcast a media content stream 104 include a cable system, a radio frequency (RF) communication system, and the Internet.

The one or more media content streams 104 are received by the media content stream interface 116. In a broadcast environment, one or more optional tuners 116 a in the media content stream interface 116 selectively tune to one of the media content streams 104 in accordance with instructions received from the processor system 118. The processor system 118, executing the media device logic 134 and based upon a request for a particular media content event of interest specified by a user for current viewing or for recording, parses out media content associated with the media content event of interest. The media content event of interest is then assembled into a stream of video and/or audio information which may be stored by the program buffer 122 such that the media content can be streamed out to components of the media presentation system 106, such as the visual display device 108 and/or the audio presentation device 110, via the presentation device interface 126. Alternatively, or additionally, the parsed out media content may be saved into the DVR 124 for later presentation, interchangeably referred to herein as “recording” of the media content event. The DVR 124 may be directly provided in, locally connected to, or remotely connected to, the media device 102. In alternative embodiments, the media content streams 104 may stored for later decompression, processing and/or decryption.

From time to time, information populating the EPG information 140 portion of the memory 120 is communicated to the media device 102, via the media content stream 104 or via another suitable media. The EPG information 140 portion of the memory 120 stores the information pertaining to the scheduled programming of media content events. The information may include, but is not limited to, a scheduled broadcast start time, a scheduled broadcast end time, a channel identifier that identifies the channel that is broadcasting the media content event, and supplemental information describing the media content event. The media content event's descriptive supplemental information may include the title of the media content event, names of performers or actors, date of creation, and a summary describing the nature of the media content event. Any suitable information may be included in the supplemental information. Upon receipt of a command from the user requesting presentation of an EPG display, the information in the EPG information 140 is retrieved, formatted, and then presented on the display 114 as an EPG, wherein the scheduled broadcast start and end times, the channel identifier, and the supplemental information for currently presenting and future scheduled media content events are presented to the viewing user.

The exemplary media device 102 is configured to receive commands from a user via a remote control 148. The remote control 148 includes one or more controllers 150 disposed on the surface of the remote control 148. The user, by actuating one or more of the controllers 150, causes the remote control 148 to generate and transmit commands, via a wireless signal 152, to the media device 102. The commands control the media device 102 and/or control the devices of media presentation system 106. The wireless signal 152 may be an infrared (IR) signal or a radio frequency (RF) signal that is detectable by the remote interface 128. In some embodiments, one or more of the controllers 150 are configured to activate and deactivate (toggle) the start of recording management system 100 between an operating state and a non-operating state. The non-operating state may be of interest to the user in various situations, such as back-to-back recordings of media content events that are broadcast on different channels.

The processes performed by the media device 102 relating to the processing of the received media content stream 104 and communication of a presentable media content event to the components of the media presentation system 106 are generally implemented by the processor system 118 while executing the media device logic 134. Thus, the media device 102 may perform a variety of functions related to the processing and presentation of one or more media content events received in the media content stream 104.

Typically, a media content event presents theme-based visual and audio content to a user for their enjoyment and/or for informative purposes. Examples of such theme-based content includes movies, films, serial programming, sporting events, documentaries, newscasts, religious programs, commercials (typically of short duration with advertising content), or the like. Serial programming may present a continuing plot and/or theme, often with the same cast of actors, in a sequential episode-by-episode basis that is available periodically. Advertisements, commercials or the like may be interspersed within the media content event.

In a broadcast environment, the media content event is broadcast to a plurality of media devices 102 as a stream of media content residing in the media content stream 104. Typically, at any given instant in time, the media device 102 may be receiving one or more media content streams 104 with hundreds of, or even thousands of, concurrently broadcast streaming media content events. Typically, presentation of a media content event occurs over some time span (duration). Thus, the media content event has a beginning portion that usually includes identifying information about the media content event, such as music, text of a title, or other information. When the user views this beginning portion of the media content event, the user intuitively understands that they are viewing the beginning of the media content event.

If the user is viewing a live broadcast of a particular media content event of interest, the media content event of interest is presented as it is being received by the media device 102. Accordingly, as the media content event of interest is being initially broadcast, presentation of the media content event of interest to the user can begin at the actual broadcast start time of the media content event of interest. The actual broadcast start time is the time that the media content event of interest is received at the media device 102 (plus some relatively short additional amount of time required for processing of the media content event by the media device 102 and the components of the media presentation system 106).

As time progresses, the entirety of the streaming media content event of interest is presented to the user (or is at least receivable at the media device 102) as the stream of media content is being received in the media content stream 104. At some point, the preceding broadcasting media content event comes to its end (conclusion). A viewing user intuitively understands that the preceding broadcasting media content event is ending upon viewing the closing credits portion of that preceding media content event. Such closing credits portion of the media content event typically include the closing credits text, wherein the closing credits text is visible to the user. Ultimately, after the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event have been presented, presentation of the next media content event begins.

When a media content event is viewed during its live broadcast, the end of the presentation of the preceding media content event typically corresponds to the actual broadcast end time. The actual broadcast end time is the time that the very end of the preceding media content event is received at the media device 102 (plus some relatively short additional amount of time required for processing of the end of the media content event by the media device 102 and the components of the media presentation system 106).

Typically, when the user is viewing a live broadcast of the broadcasting preceding media content event, broadcasting of and receipt of a next media content event begins immediately after the conclusion of the preceding media content event. Alternatively, one or more intervening commercials or the like may next be presented to the user prior to the initial broadcast of the next live broadcast media content event. The beginning of the next program and/or any intervening commercials will be discernible from the closing credits portion of the media content event that is being recorded (because any text in a commercial and/or other attributes of the commercial will be different form the text and/or attributes of the closing credits).

During operation of the media device 102 by the user, the media device 102 is configured to generate and present an EPG on the display 114 to facilitate informing the user of the particular media content events that are currently available. The user, when viewing the EPG, is able to select a currently received live broadcast media content event for presentation.

The EPG is a type of a user interface that presents a menu, or a series of menus, that describe available media content events that are available for presentation. The EPG has the look and feel of a table that uses a combination of text and/or symbols to indicate the media content event viewing choices that may be selected by the user. The media content event information presented on the EPG may include the title of available program, the “channel” of the available program, the scheduled broadcast start time, the scheduled broadcast end time, the date of presentation, and optionally some amount of supplemental information (such as a brief description of the media content event). The EPG is interactive with the user. The user, by actuating one or more of the controllers 150 on their remote control 148, is able to “scroll” or “navigate” about the EPG to select a program of interest.

The presented EPG indicates to the user media content events that are currently being broadcast. The EPG also indicates media content events that are scheduled for future broadcast by the media content provider. Assuming that the actual broadcast times of media content events are on schedule, the scheduled broadcast start and end times indicated on the EPG correspond closely to, or may even be identical to, the actual broadcast start and end times.

The user may be interested in viewing a particular media content event that is scheduled for presentation at a future time. For convenience, the user may specify to the media device 102 that that particular media content event of interest should be recorded (saved into a memory medium, such as the example DVR 124). The user typically is able to navigate to and highlight (focus) onto a region of the presented EPG that is indicating the media content event of interest that the user is interested in recording. Then, the user may select a recording controller 150 on the remote control 148 to thereby instruct the media device 102 of their specification to record that particular media content event of interest.

In response to receiving the user specification for a recording of a particular media content event, the media device 102 accesses the EPG information 140 to retrieve the scheduled broadcast start time, the scheduled broadcast end time, and the channel that is providing the broadcast of the specified media content event of interest. The scheduled broadcast start time is used to define the recording start time (these times are typically the same time, though some amount of time may be optionally added to advance the recording start time ahead of the scheduled broadcast start time by some relatively small predefined duration). Similarly, the scheduled broadcast end time is used to define the recording end time (these times are typically the same time, though some amount of time may be optionally added to delay the recording end time behind of the scheduled broadcast end time by some relatively small predefined duration). The previously defined recording start time, the previously defined recording end time, and the channel identifier are stored into the recording information 138 portion of memory 120. Additionally, a closing credits monitor time may be determined and then may be saved by some embodiments of the start of recording management system 100. In some embodiments of the media device, the user may manually specify the recording start time, the recording end time, and/or the channel identifier.

The system clock 130 provides information corresponding to the current real time. The system clock 130 may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and firmware in the various embodiments. The processor system 118, executing the media device logic 134 in an example non-limiting embodiment, monitors the real time provided by the system clock 130. That is, the current real time is compared with the stored recording start time.

When the real time reaches (matches) a time that precedes the recording start time by some predefined duration, the processor system 118 operates the tuner 116 a to tune to the media content stream 104 having the identified channel that is broadcasting the user-specified media content event of interest that is to be recorded (based on the stored recording start time and channel identifier). The processor system 118 then parses out the user-specified media content event of interest from the media content stream 104, and stores (records) the user-specified media content event of interest into the DVR 124 (or into another suitable memory medium). The storing of the user-specified media content event of interest continues as it is being received in the media content stream 104.

As noted above, the processor system 118 monitors the real time provided by the system clock 130. When the real time reaches the time that precedes the recording start time by some predefined duration, embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 may be configured by the user to not operate. Under such a configuration, the media device 102 starts the recording process based on the recording start time if the start of recording management system 100 (which is not activated, in an inactive state, or in a non-operational mode).

However, if the start of recording management system 100 is activated (operating in an active state, or in an operational mode), at a real time that precedes the recording start time by some predefined duration, the video content of the preceding broadcasting media content event (on that same channel) is monitored to identify its closing credits text 154. This period of monitoring before the recording start time is defined as the closing credits monitoring period (duration). The point in time that embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 begin to monitor the video content of the broadcasting preceding media content event is defined as the closing credits monitor time.

The closing credits monitor time and/or period is predefined based on typical times that the closing credits portion of the preceding media content event are likely to be shown. For example, the closing credits monitor period may be defined to be five minutes before the recording start time. Alternatively, or additionally, the closing credits monitor time may be defined to a time that is five minutes before the recording start time. Any suitable closing credits monitor time and/or period may be used in the various embodiments.

During the closing credits monitoring period, at some point in time, the initial presentation of the closing credits text 154 is identified in the video information of the preceding media content event of interest. In response to identifying the occurrence of the presentation of the closing credits, the start of recording management system 100 initiates one of a variety of different processes to initiate (start) the recording of the media content event of interest, which will presumably begin after the end of the preceding broadcasting media content event.

One skilled in the art appreciates that monitoring video content for text may be a computationally intensive activity. Accordingly, embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 use the closing credits monitor time and/or period to initiate the analysis of the broadcasting preceding video content that is currently being received at the media device 102 on the same channel as the user-specified media content event to be recorded. For example, a preceding media content event may be an hour-long serial program that has a scheduled broadcast start time of 7:00 p.m. and a scheduled broadcast end time of 8:00 p.m. When the media device is configured to record the next media content event, having a scheduled duration of one hour, the previously defined recording start time is set to 8:00 p.m. and the recording end time is set for 9:00 p.m. Thus, the closing credits monitor time might be defined to be at 7:55 p.m. Since the closing credits monitor period is a small fraction of the total duration of a media content event, computation resources required of the processor system 118 can be significantly reduced by monitoring the last few minutes of the preceding media content event (as compared to monitoring for the closing credits text 154 over the entirety of the preceding media content event).

Example embodiments are configured to access the recording end time and/or the scheduled broadcast start time, and then subtract a predefined closing credits monitor time and/or period there from to determine the actual closing credits monitor time and/or period. Accordingly, the actual closing credits monitor time will be in advance of the scheduled broadcast start time and/or the recording start time by the predefined closing credits monitor time duration. That is, embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 start the monitoring process of the video content of the currently recording media content event when the real time reaches the determined closing credits monitor time.

If in the above hypothetical example, there have been no programming delays, it is highly likely that detecting of the closing credits text 154 of the preceding broadcasting media content event will occur at a time that is very near, but at least prior to, the scheduled 8:00 p.m. broadcast start time and/or the recording start time (and thus, be near the actual broadcast start time) of the user-specified media content event to be recorded. Here, the actual recording will most likely include the initial portion of the user-specified media content event of interest (since the preceding broadcasting media content event has concluded before, or very close to, the previously defined recording start time).

However, if there has been a delay in the broadcast of the concluding portion of the preceding media content event, the closing credits will not be initially detected by the start of recording management system 100 (since the closing credits will only be presented near the delayed end of the preceding media content event). For example, the preceding media content event may be a sporting event that runs beyond its scheduled broadcast end time due to additional play during one or more overtime periods. As another example, an intervening news break may have interrupted broadcast of the preceding media content event, thereby delaying the broadcast of the concluding portion of the preceding media content event of interest. In such situations, broadcasting of the preceding media content event of interest continues beyond the scheduled end time

In such situations, the closing credits text 154 of the preceding broadcasting media content event will eventually be detected by the start of recording management system 100. Embodiments are configured to initiate recording of the user-specified media content event to be recorded in response to detecting the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event. Since recording of the user-specified media content event to be recorded has not been initiated based on the previously defined scheduled broadcast start time and/or the previously defined recording start time, the concluding portion of the preceding broadcasting media content event will not be recorded. Instead, the initial portion of the recorded content will be the initial portion of the user-specified media content event (since recording will not be initiated until after detection of the closing credits for the preceding broadcasting media content event). Further, the previously defined recording end time will be changed to an adjusted recording end time so that the concluding portion of the user-specified media content event is recorded.

In practice, when the real time provided by the system clock 130 reaches the determined closing credits monitor time, and if the start of recording management system 100 is in an active mode of operation, the processor system 118, executing the frame grabber logic 134, begins to serially access currently received image frames from the currently broadcasting preceding media content event. In the various embodiments, the frame grabber logic 134 may be executed as software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Further, the frame grabber logic 134 may be stored in other memory media in some embodiments.

Once a particular image frame has been “grabbed” (accessed from the processed stream of image frames of the currently broadcasting preceding media content event), the content of the image frame is analyzed to identify any text that has been included in the analyzed image data. Any suitable image processing technique may be used by the various embodiments to identify portions of an image that may correspond to text. In the various embodiments, the start of recording processing logic 146, acting in cooperation with the OCR logic 142, then identifies any text in an analyzed image. That is, the OCR logic 142 is then used to determine individual characters and/or the words of any identified text. Any suitable OCR logic 142 may be used in the various embodiments.

One skilled in the art appreciates that not all identified text in an analyzed image frame may be text associated with closing credits. For example, the hypothetical illustrated image presented on the display 114 in FIG. 1 illustrates a woman walking down a city street looking upwards at a street sign 156 (with the text “Main Street”). Here, the text “Main Street” is likely to be recognized when the image frame is analyzed. However, this identified text is not related to the text of any presented closing credits. Accordingly, embodiments of the start of recording processing logic 146 may be configured to discern identified text that is not related to the closing credits from identified text of the closing credits.

In the illustrative example of FIG. 1 (a delay in the end of the preceding broadcasting media content event occurs), when the process of monitoring image frames begins (when the real time reaches the closing credits monitor time), the closing credits text 154 will most likely not have yet been included in that first analyzed image frame. Since the start of recording management system 100 is able to identify the text “Main Street” in the first analyzed image, and then determine that the text is not text associated with the closing credits portion of the currently recording media content event, the process of starting the recording of the user-specified media content event will not be yet initiated.

At some point in time, the currently broadcasting preceding media content event will approach its ending, wherein the closing credits portion of the preceding media content event will begin such that the closing credits will be presented on the display 114. At that time, or shortly thereafter, an image frame will be grabbed for analysis. The analysis will identify text that is being presented in that particular image frame. In the hypothetical example of FIG. 1, the text “Main Street” is likely to be identified, and the text “closing credits text” shown in the closing credits text 154 region on the presented image is identified. Here, the identified text “Main Street” will be discriminated from the identified text “closing credits text.” Further, the identified text “closing credits text” will be recognized as being text in the closing credits portion of the media content event. Accordingly, embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 may then begin the process of initiating the recording of the user-specified media content event (in response to identifying the occurrence of the closing credits text 154 region on the presented image).

The text of the closing credits is known to have attributes that are unique to closing credits. Further, attributes of portions of the image in close proximity to the identified closing credits text are known. Thus, embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 compare one or more attributes of any identified and/or image graphics, and/or attributes of portions of the image in close proximity to the identified and/or image graphics, to determine if the identified and/or image graphics is likely to be text of the closing credits.

The determination of whether identified text and/or image graphics are part of the closing credits is based on a comparison of the attributes of the identified text (and/or portions of the image in close proximity to the identified text) with corresponding predefined attributes. These attributes that are associated with the closing credits may be stored in the closing credits database 144.

A first exemplary closing credits attribute is size of the characters of the identified text. Here, the text “Main Street” is relatively small, and the size of the “closing credits text” is relatively larger. Thus, a size attribute may be used to discern closing credits text from other text identified in an analyzed image frame. A first size attribute may be text character height and/or width. Accordingly, a comparison is made between the identified text attributes and the corresponding predefined attributes. If the height and/or width of an identified text character is at least equal to a predefined minimum text height and/or minimum width threshold, then the identified text character may be associated with the closing credits. If the size of the identified text character is smaller than the minimum text height and/or width threshold, the identified text character may be disregarded (not associated with the closing credits).

Conversely, if the height and/or width of the text character is less than a predefined maximum text height and/or maximum width threshold, then the identified text character may be associated with the closing credits. If the size of the identified text character is greater than the maximum text height and/or width threshold, the identified text character may be disregarded (not associated with the closing credits). Any suitable predefined maximum and/or minimum character height and/or width may be used as a threshold value in the various embodiments.

A second exemplary closing credits attribute is the number of identified text characters and/or words in a string of identified text. For example, the text “Main Street” only has two words (and nine text characters). In contrast, the “closing credits text” has three words and eighteen text characters. If the predefined number of words threshold is three, the identified “closing credits text” may be associated with the closing credits since three words are identified (since the number of words is at least equal to the threshold). Alternatively, or additionally, if the predefined number of text characters threshold is fifteen characters, the identified “closing credits text” may be associated with the closing credits since eighteen text characters are identified. Any suitable predefined number of words and/or text characters may be used as a threshold value in the various embodiments.

Another exemplary closing credits attribute is the font type of the text characters of the identified text. Here, the “closing credits text” is presented using a text font defined by capital letters, is italicized, is bolded, and is of an Arial font type. Thus, one or more text font attributes may be used to discern closing credits text from other text identified in an analyzed image frame. A comparison is made between the identified text font attributes and the corresponding predefined text font attributes. If the font of the text characters is the same as one or more predefined text font characteristics, then the identified text may be associated with the closing credits. Any suitable predefined text font characteristic may be used as a threshold attribute in the various embodiments

Another closing credits attribute pertains to portions of the image in close proximity to the identified text. Typically, closing credits may be presented over a solid colored background. That is, the background pattern of a portion of the image in proximity to the identified text has a solid background pattern. In the hypothetical example illustrated in FIG. 1, the “closing credits text” is presented on top of a solid white background. Accordingly, portions of the image in close proximity to identified text are evaluated to determine if the portions are of a solid color. For example, image portions between individual text characters may be evaluated. Alternatively, or additionally, image portions above and/or below identified text characters by some predefined distance of the identified text, or image portions that are within some predefined distance of the identified text, may be evaluated. These predefined distances from identified text may be used to define a bounded region in some embodiments.

One skilled in the art understands that an image is comprised of a matrix of pixels. Different colors, intensities, or other characteristics of the pixels are varied to create an image. Here, the boundaries or extent of the identified text having common characteristics (such as character size and/or color) is determined. A region bounding the identified text (surrounding the identified text) may be defined based on one or more predefined distances.

In a first example discrimination test, the pixels (image data) in the determined bounded region (that are not those pixels that are used to present the identified text) are evaluated to determine if they are of the same, or substantially the same, color. If the pixels are of the same or substantially same color, then a determination is made that the identified text is being presented over a solid background. In contrast, portions of the image in close proximity to any random text identified in a filmed scene of the media content event is not likely to have the same color. Therefore, a first indication that identified text may be part of the closing credits is made when the portions of the image in close proximity to the identified closing credits text have the same color. (Here, both the “closing credits text” and the text “Main Street” are presented on a solid grayscale background. So, this particular attribute may be, by itself, sufficient to determine that the “closing credits text” is associated with the closing credits and to determine that the text “Main Street” is not associated with the closing credits.)

A pixel color is typically defined based on a numerical value that specifies red, blue and green color components. Various pixel colors definitions are stored in a color palette. In an example system, the color palette defines 256 different colors using numerical values. In an embodiment that determines the numerical value of the color of the pixels in close proximity to the identified text, the determined pixel color values are compared to one or more predefined pixel color values stored in the closing credits database 144.

In a second example discrimination test, the determined color values for pixels in the portions of the image in close proximity to the identified text are compared with predefined pixel color values stored in the closing credits database 144. Typically, closing credits may be presented on a white background, a black background, a blue background, or the like. Thus, the color values of these typically used backgrounds may be determined and then stored in the closing credits database 144. In an analyzed image frame, if the identified pixel color values of the pixels in proximity to identified text match, or substantially match, with at least one of the predefined pixel color values retrieved from the closing credits database 144, then the text in proximity to those pixels may be associated with the closing credits.

Another closing credits attribute pertaining to the color of the identified text. Typically, the text of the closing credits may be presented using a particular color and/or the same text color. In the hypothetical example illustrated in FIG. 1, the “closing credits text” is presented using a black text color. Further, all of the text characters are presented using a black color. Accordingly, the pixels of the identified text are evaluated to determine if the pixels are of a predefined color. For example, a predefined threshold color may be black or another predefined color. Thus, in the hypothetical example of FIG. 1, the “closing credits text” may then be determined to be associated with the closing credits. However, the text “Main Street” is also presented using black text. So, this particular attribute may not be, by itself, sufficient to determine that the “closing credits text” is associated with the closing credits and to determine that the text “Main Street” is not associated with the closing credits. Accordingly, various embodiments may optionally employ a plurality of different image attributes to determine if the closing credits are being presented in an analyzed image frame. Any suitable predefined number of colors may be used as a threshold text pixel color value in the various embodiments.

Alternatively, a media content event may conclude with one or more image frames showing information pertaining to the producer, creator, or the like of the media content event. The name of the producing entity, and/or a trademarked logo (image graphics), may be presented. Typically, such producer-related information is one of the very last images of a media content event. Accordingly, embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 are configured to identify the producing entity, and/or trademarked logo (image graphics). Here, such producing entities, and/or a trademarked logos (image graphics), are defined to be part of the closing credits.

A particular media content event will present its particular closing credits using particular attributes. Based on the actual attributes used to present a particular media content event, these attributes may be communicated to the media device 102 and then may be stored into the closing credits database 144. For example, the characters of the text of the closing credits may be known to be of a particular height and/or width, and/or of a particular color, and/or of a particular font type. As another example, the closing credits may be known to be presented on a solid background of a particular color. Thus, when the closing credits text 154 is identified, the predetermined stored closing credits attributes may be retrieved for that particular recording media content event. Then, attributes of identified text in an analyzed image frame can be compared with corresponding predefined closing credits attributes for that particular media content event. If there is a match between one or more of the determined closing credits attributes and a corresponding predefined closing credits attribute, then a determination is made that the closing credits have been identified.

In an example embodiment, the identifier of a particular media content event and associated information specifying one or more predefined closing credits attributes are communicated to the media device 102. The received predefined closing credits attributes and the associated media content event identifier are saved into the closing credits database 144 in the memory 120 or in another suitable memory medium. Attributes pertaining to identified text, and/or of portions of the image in proximity to the identified text, are determined and then compared with the predefined closing credits attributes retrieved from the closing credits database 144. The predefined closing credits attributes are retrieved based on the identifier of the currently broadcasting media content event which is also found in the closing credits database 144. That is, a list of all media content event identifiers are searched in the closing credits database 144 until a match is found with the identifier of the currently broadcasting media content event. Once the matching media content event identifier is found in the closing credits database 144, the associated predefined closing credits attributes are retrieved for comparison with any text attributes identified in an analyzed image frame.

For example, the closing credits database 144 may have stored the identifier of the example media content event that is being currently broadcast in the hypothetical example of FIG. 1, along with the following predefined closing credits attributes: a white colored solid background, a blue colored text font, a capital letter text format, a bold text font, an italicized text font, and an Arial font style. When the “closing credits text” is identified in an analyzed image frame, the predefined closing credits attributes may be retrieved from the closing credits database 144 for that particular media content event. In the hypothetical example of FIG. 1, the identified “closing credits text” is presented using all capital letters, is presented using a bold text font and an italicized text font, is presented using an Arial font style, and is presented over a solid white colored background using a blue color. Thus, the closing credits attributes of the identified “closing credits text” identified in an analyzed image frame matches the predefined closing credits attributes stored retrieved from the closing credits database 144. Therefore, the “closing credits text” may be determined to be part of the closing credits for the currently broadcasting preceding media content event.

In contrast, the text “Main Street” is not presented using bold or italicized font, and is not presented on a solid white colored background. That is, the text “Main Street” does not match the predefined closing credits attributes for that identified media content event (wherein the associated closing credits have been retrieved from the closing credits database 144). Accordingly, the text “Main Street” is not determined to be associated with the closing credits of the currently broadcasting preceding media content event.

The predefined closing credits attributes for a plurality of media content events may be communicated to the media device 102 in a variety of manners. An example embodiment communicates the predefined closing credits attributes in the metadata of the media content event. Such predefined closing credits attribute information may be periodically repeated in the metadata of the broadcasting media content event so that when the media content event is to be recorded, the media device accesses the predefined closing credits attributes. Alternatively, the predefined closing credits attributes may be communicated in other portions of the media content stream 104 and/or in other portions of the streaming media content event itself

Alternatively, or additionally, the predefined closing credits attributes may be included in the EPG information that is periodically communicated to the media device 102. The predefined closing credits attributes may be optionally retrieved from the received EPG information and saved into the closing credits database 144. Thus, when the user selects a particular media content event for recording, the predefined closing credits attributes of the preceding media content event may be retrieved from the EPG information 140 and/or the closing credits database 144. The predefined closing credits attributes may be retrieved when the recording start and end times are determined from the scheduled broadcast start and end times, and then saved into the recording information 138 in some embodiments. Alternatively, or additionally, the predefined closing credits attributes may be retrieved by some embodiments from the EPG information 140 and/or the closing credits database 144 as the time of recording of the user-specified media content event is reached, or in response to the current time of the system clock 130 reaching the closing credits monitor time.

Other attributes of identified text may be considered by some embodiments. For example, closing credits typically scroll over the display 114 in an upward or downward direction. Further, the text scrolling also typically occurs at a constant rate. For example, a series of successive image frames may be periodically grabbed for analysis by the start of recording management system 100. The separation duration between the periodically analyzed successive image frames is determined (for example, using image frame time stamps or image frame PID information). Alternatively, successive image frames may be grabbed based on some predefined duration, such as every second, every several seconds, or every fraction of a second. Any suitable separation duration between grabbed image frames may be used in the various embodiments.

When a first one of the grabbed image frames is determined to have text thereon, a presentation location of the one or more characters and/or words of the identified text (or a portion thereof) on the display 114 is identified. Then, the location of the same text character and/or word in a next analyzed grabbed image frame is determined. A change of location between the text character and/or word is determined, such that the distance of location change is determined. The distance change and the duration between analyzed image frames are then used to compute a rate of movement of the text (the rate of scrolling).

Alternatively, or additionally, the direction of the scrolling text may be determinable. Once the location of identified text in successive analyzed image frames have been determined, a direction of movement of the text can be determined. That is, a determination can be made whether the text is scrolling in an upward direction or a downward direction. The known direction of scrolling of the closing credits text may be stored in the closing credits database 144 for the particular media content event that is being recorded. If the scrolling direction of the identified text matches the predefined scrolling, a determination is made that the closing credits have been identified.

For reliability purposes, other subsequent image frames are similarly analyzed to ensure that the computed rate of movement and/or the determined direction of movement of the identified text character and/or word is consistent and/or constant (thereby distinguishing from random movement of the identified text character and/or word that may result from camera movement which occurred during the filming of the media content event).

In some situations, a series of pages of closing credits are presented using a paging process, wherein the pages of closing credit information are serially presented for some predefined duration on a periodic basis. For example, a new page of closing credits information may be presented every five seconds. Accordingly, an example embodiment may evaluate how any presented identified text is changing over time. If the identified text is determined to be paging, the identified text may be determined to be part of the closing credits. Otherwise, the identified text may be disregarded.

Paging information of the closing credits for a particular media content event that is recording may be predetermined then stored in the closing credits database 144. The paging information may include a rate of paging and/or a duration of presentation of a page of closing credits. The predefined paging information may be communicated in any suitable fashion, such as in the EPG information. Or the predefined paging information may be separately communicated. The predefined paging information may be accessed or retrieved and then compared with any identified text in a series of analyzed image frames.

Yet another closing credits attribute is the particular location and/or particular region of an image in which the closing credits are presented on the display 114. For example, the closing credits may be shown in the lower (or upper) half or quarter of the image when presented on the display 114. The other region of the image presented on the display 114 may be used for other purposes, such as presentation of an advertisement, presentation of a trailer for the next scheduled media content event, or the like. In such situations, the location information of the presentation of the closing credits is known based on the presentation plans of the media content provider. Accordingly, predefined presentation location information for the closing credits may be communicated to the media device 102. The predefined presentation location information of the closing credits may then be retrieved and compared with the determined location of the identified text in the analyzed image frame. If the locations match, then the identified text may be determined to be part of the closing credits.

In some embodiments, the closing credits typically containing one or more generic keywords and/or generic keyword phrases that are commonly used during presentation of the closing credits. Such commonly used generic keywords and/or generic keyword phrases may be used as a closing credits attribute. Example generic keywords include such words as, but not limited to, director, actor, location, or the like. Generic keyword phrases may also be used in the closing credits, such as, but not limited to, the phrase “directed by” or the like. Such keywords and/or keyword phrases are not likely to randomly occur outside of the presented closing credits. Thus, words and/or phrases of the text identified in an analyzed image frame may be compared to generic keywords and/or generic keyword phrases, and if a match is determined, the closing credits may be identified by the start of recording management system 100.

As another example, well known individuals participating in the production of the media content event may be identified in the closing credits, such as, but not limited to, director names, producer names, actor names, or the like. For example, a generic-type listing of known actors (which may include the names of hundreds, or even thousands of actors) may be stored in the closing credits database 144. Thus, identified words and/or phrases identified in an analyzed image frame may be compared with the generic-type predefined keywords and/or keyword phrases stored in the closing credits database 144. When a match is found between one or more identified words and/or phrases in an analyzed image frame and corresponding actor name stored in the closing credits database 144, a determination is made that the closing credits have been identified.

In some embodiments, actual closing credits keywords and/or keyword phrases may be known for a particular media content event. For example, the actual closing credits may be known to have keywords and/or keyword phrases stating that the media content event was “Directed by John Smith” or the like. Or, the actress “Jane Doe” may be one of the known performers in the currently recording media content event. The identity of particular individuals uniquely associated with a known media content event may be stored in the closing credits database 144. When text is identified in an analyzed frame, the words and/or phrases of the identified text are compared with the known (predefined) individuals. (Here, the names of individuals is a type of closing credits attribute.)

Another example of a closing credits attribute may be an icon or the like. For example, a particular production company that produces media content events may have a notoriously well known icon, which is a symbol or the like that is associated with that particular production company. Often, the icon (image graphic) may be included as part of the closing credits of the currently recording media content event. The icon would not typically be presented at other times during the ending portion of the media content event that is evaluated when the closing credits monitor period begins. Thus, if the icon is detected in an analyzed image frame, the closing credits of the currently recording media content event may be identified by the start of recording management system 100. In an example embodiment, a plurality of known (predefined) icons are stored in the closing credits text 154. Alternatively, when the particular actual icon is known for the currently recording media content event, that particular icon may be compared with any identified icons found in an analyzed image frame.

It is appreciated by one skilled in the art that the occurrence of presentation of the closing credits must be determined with a high degree of accuracy and certainty. Otherwise, the recording of the user-specified media content event may be unintentionally initiated before the start of the user-specified media content event, or may not be initiated in time to record the initial portion. Accordingly, some embodiments are configured to compare identified text in an analyzed image frame with a plurality of different closing credits attributes. If all of the closing credits attributes match the characteristics of the identified text, then the closing credits of the broadcasting preceding media content event will have been accurately and reliably determined. In some embodiments, a predefined percentage match between the identified text and the plurality of closing credits attributes is required to determine that the closing credits are being present in the broadcasting preceding media content event. For example, an 80% match between the identified text and the plurality of closing credits attributes may be sufficient to conclude that the closing credits have been reliably identified. Any suitable percentage match threshold may be used in the various embodiments.

In some embodiments, the media device 102 may be optionally configured to establish communications with a remote electronic device. In such media device embodiments, the start of recording management system 100 may cause the media device 102 to establish a communication link 158, via the communication network 160, to a remote closing credits database 162. The remote closing credits database 162 may reside in any suitable remote electronic device 164, such as, but not limited to, an interne site, a server, or the like. Then, one or more closing credits attributes may be communicated to and received at the communication system interface 132 of the media device 102. The closing credits attributes received from the remote closing credits database 162 may then be used and/or stored for comparison with text identified in an analyzed image frame.

The predefined closing credits attributes may be retrieved from the remote closing credits database 162 at any suitable time. An example embodiment retrieves one or more of the predefined closing credits attributes from the remote closing credits database 162 in response to the user requesting a recording of a particular media content event. In an example embodiment, the media device 102 may communicate a request that includes the identifier of the currently recording media content event (or the media content event scheduled for recording) to the remote closing credits database 162. The received media content event identifier is used by the remote closing credits database 162 to retrieve one or more stored predefined closing credits attributes, which are then communicated back to the requesting media device 102. The request may be communicated by the media device 102 at any suitable time, such as prior to the start of the recording of the media content event. Alternatively, or additionally, the media device 102 may communicate the request for the predefined closing credits attributes when the recording of the media content event begins or is underway.

The communication network 160 is illustrated as a generic communication system. In one embodiment, the communication network 160 comprises a cellular telephone system, such as a radio frequency (RF) wireless system. Accordingly, the media device 102 includes a suitable transceiver. Alternatively, the communication network 160 may be a telephony system, the Internet, a Wi-fi system, a microwave communication system, a fiber optics system, an intranet system, a local access network (LAN) system, an Ethernet system, a cable system, a radio frequency system, a cellular system, an infrared system, a satellite system, or a hybrid system comprised of multiple types of communication media. Additionally, embodiments of the media device 102 may be implemented to communicate using other types of communication technologies, such as but not limited to, digital subscriber loop (DSL), X.25, Internet Protocol (IP), Ethernet, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). Also, embodiments of the media device 102 may be configured to communicate over combination systems having a plurality of segments which employ different formats for each segment that employ different technologies on each segment.

In some embodiments, the media content event may be broadcast using an Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) format or similar media content format. Such media content formats comprise different image frame types, such as an I-frame (intra coded frame or slice), a P-frame (predicted frame of slice) and a B-frame bi-directional predicted frame or slice), that are compressible to different degrees. The I-frame is the least compressible image frame, but does not require other video image frames to decode. That is, an entire image may be determined from a single I-frame. The P-frame may use data from previous I-frames to decompress and are more compressible than an I-frame. The B-frame can use both previous and forward frames for data reference to get the highest amount of data compression. Other compression techniques may be used to compress the images of the media content event. As used herein, a complete video image frame corresponds to a substantially complete set of data or information that may be used, by itself, to generate an image of the media content event. If other compression formats are used, such formats from time to time have a frame that corresponds to a complete video image frame. In the various embodiments, after the closing credits monitor time wherein the concluding portion of the media content event is evaluated to identify the closing credits, individual image frames are periodically grabbed for analysis. In a preferred embodiment, the I-frames or other image frames with complete data are grabbed for analysis. However, other image frames may be analyzed in other embodiments.

In response to identifying the closing credits in the currently broadcasting preceding media content event, the process of starting the recording of the user-specified media content event may be initiated by embodiments of the start of recording management system 100. After the closing credits are identified, a start recording command is generated. In the various embodiments, in response to the generation of the start recording command, the processor system 118 then initiates the recording of the currently broadcasting user-specified media content event in response to generation of the start recording command. Any suitable command may be used to start, initiate, otherwise begin the recording of the user-specified media content event.

In some example non-limiting embodiments, the recording of the user-specified media content event is started nearly immediately after determining the occurrence of the closing credits in the preceding broadcasting media content event. In such embodiments, when the occurrence of the closing credits are detected, a start recording command or the like is immediately generated. Thus, the recording process starts nearly immediately in response to detecting the occurrence of the closing credits. Although the viewing user may view some part of the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event, such viewing is likely not to be a distraction or inconvenience to the viewing user, and intuitively informs the viewing user that the initial portion of their specified media content event has been properly recorded.

In other embodiments, detection of the closing credits does not necessarily immediately initiate the recording of the user-specified media content event. Rather, the actual recording process starts at some later time. One skilled in the art appreciates that presentation of all of the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event requires some amount of time (which may vary for different media content events). Thus, it may be desirable to start the recording process at some point in time after the initial detection of the closing credits. That is, the recording process starts at some point (predefined duration) after the conclusion of the closing credits portion of the media content event.

In an example embodiment, a presentation time (or the actual real time) of the initial detection of the closing credits is compared to the stored recording start time. If the time of the initial detection of the closing credits is in advance of the recording start time, the process of recording starts when the actual time provided by the system clock 130 reaches the recording start time (which was previously stored in the recording information 138). That is, the recording of the user-specified media content event is initiated based on the previously defined recording start time.

In the various embodiments, if the actual time of the initial detection of the closing credits is after, or is in proximity to the previously defined recording start time of the user-specified media content event, initiation of the recording of the user-specified media content event may be delayed until a time that corresponds to the end of the preceding broadcasting media content event. As noted above, the initiation of the recording process can be implemented in a variety of manners.

Further, it may be desirable that the recording be continued beyond the previously defined recording end time. Accordingly, some embodiments may be configured to adjust the previously defined recording end time based on a difference between the actual recording start time (or the scheduled broadcast start time) and the time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event. Here, the concluding portion of the currently recording user-specified media content event will be successfully recorded. The process of ending the recording of the user-specified media content event is only initiated in response to determining the time associated with the occurrence of the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event.

In some embodiments, a change in the audio portion of the received stream of media content of the preceding broadcasting media content event may be used to identify the end of the preceding media content event. For example, a particular song or the like (associated with the closing credits) may be presented during presentation of the closing credits. When the song ends, a period of silence, a different song, on entirely different dialogue may be detectable, thereby indicating that the preceding broadcasting media content event has ended. Accordingly, the process of starting the recording of the user-specified media content event is initiated.

However, many embodiments preferably do not analyze the audio portion of a media content event. Often, the media content provider may continue presentation of the end of the video portion of the currently broadcasting preceding media content event in a small portion of the display 114 while concurrently presenting a video portion of an advertisement, a trailer for the next scheduled media content event, or the like in the remaining portion of the display 114. Often, the audio portion of the advertisement, trailer for the next scheduled media content event, or the like is presented (while the audio portion of the currently recorded media content event is muted). Here, an analysis of the audio portion may erroneously imply that the preceding media content event has ended.

In other situations, attributes of the received user-specified media content event to be recorded may be detectable. For example, a packet identifier (PID), or other information in the metadata of the received stream of media content (the title, the supplemental descriptive information, or the like) may indicate that a different media content event is currently being received. Accordingly, the conclusion of the closing credits may be determined there from, and the process of starting the recording process may be initiated when the attributes of the user-specified media content event to be recorded are identified.

In some situations, back-to-back recordings of different media content events may be scheduled, wherein the different media content events are to be received on different channels. In media devices 102 that have multiple tuners 116 a, the start of recording management system 100 may be operational since different media content events may be recorded by different tuners.

However, some media devices 102 have only a single tuner. Thus, if the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event are detected after the recording start time of the earlier first user-specified media content event, the beginning portion of the next second user-specified media content event scheduled for recording may be omitted (since the single tuner 116 a is recording the end of the currently recording user-specified media content event). In such embodiments, the start of recording management system 100 may be deactivated when a conflict in back-to-back media content event recordings occurs. In other embodiments, the user may be notified of the potential conflict, and the user may opt to activate or deactivate the start of recording management system 100.

Similarly, a requested number of recordings of different media content events may exceed the number of available tuners 116 a for recording. Further, one of the tuners 116 a may be used for presenting a media content event to the user while the recordings are underway. In such situations, the start of recording management system 100 may be selectively deactivated for one or more of the recording media content events. For example, the last scheduled media content event may be recorded with the start of recording management system 100 deactivated for that particular recording process. Or, the potential conflict in recordings may be indicated to the user, who may then decide which of the recordings will have the start of recording management system 100 enabled.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the start of recording management system 100 are merely possible examples of implementations of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

1. A method for recording a user-specified media content event at a media device, the method comprising: receiving a preceding broadcasting media content event at the media device in a broadcasted media content stream, wherein a channel that the preceding broadcasting media content event is the same as the channel of the user-specified media content event to be recorded; monitoring real time provided by a system clock of the media device; comparing the monitored real time with a closing credits monitor time; grabbing a series of subsequently received image frames from the preceding broadcasting media content event after the monitored real time reaches the closing credits monitor time, wherein for each of the grabbed image frames, the method further comprising: analyzing the image frame to identify an occurrence of text presented in the analyzed image frame; identifying at least one attribute pertaining to the identified text; comparing the at least one attribute with a corresponding predefined closing credits attribute; and determining that the identified text corresponds to closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event if the at least one attribute matches the corresponding predefined closing credits attribute; and initiating a start of the recording of the user-specified media content event in response to determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a user request at the media device to record the user-specified media content event; determining a recording start time based on one of a scheduled broadcast end time residing in electronic program guide (EPG) information and a user specified recording start time; determining a recording end time based on one of a scheduled broadcast end time residing in the EPG information and a user specified recording end time; and determining the closing credits monitor time, wherein the closing credits monitor time is the recording start time less a predefined duration.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined closing credits attribute is stored in a memory medium of the media device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein each of a plurality of different media content events received in the broadcasted media content stream are uniquely identifiable by an identifier, wherein the predefined closing credits attribute is predefined based on the closing credits of the associated media content event, and wherein, for each of the plurality of different media content events, the media content identifier and the associated predefined closing credits attribute are stored in a memory medium, the method further comprising: comparing the identifier of the preceding broadcasting media content event with the stored identifiers of the plurality of different media content events; and retrieving the stored predefined closing credits attribute that is associated with the media content event that has the same identifier as the preceding broadcasting media content event.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the stored predefined closing credits attribute is the name of an actor of the media content event that is being recorded.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the stored predefined closing credits attribute is text used in the closing credits of the media content event that is being recorded.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one attribute is a color of the identified text and the corresponding predefined closing credits attribute is a predefined text color, and wherein determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the media content event comprises: determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event if the color of the identified text matches the predefined text color.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one attribute is a color of a background in proximity to the identified text and the corresponding predefined closing credits attribute is a predefined background color, and wherein determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the media content event comprises: determining that the color of the background in proximity to the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event if the color of the background in proximity to the identified text matches the predefined background color.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one attribute is a background pattern of a portion of an image in the analyzed image frame that is in proximity to the identified text and the corresponding predefined closing credits attribute is a predefined solid background pattern, and wherein determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the media content event comprises: determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event if the background pattern of a portion of the image in proximity to the identified text matches the predefined solid background pattern.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the analyzed image frame is a first image frame, wherein the at least one attribute is movement of the identified text that indicates that the text is scrolling in one of an upward direction and a downward direction, wherein the corresponding predefined closing credits attribute is a predefined rate of scrolling of the text of the closing credits, and wherein determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event comprises: grabbing a second image frame after the first image frame; determining a first location of the identified text in the first image frame; determining a second location of the identified text in the second image frame; determining a distance between the first location and the second location; computing a rate of motion of the identified text based on the determined distance and a time difference between the first image frame and the second image frame; determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event if the computed rate of motion of the identified text matches a predefined rate of motion.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the analyzed image frame is a first image frame, wherein the at least one attribute is movement of the identified text that indicates that the text is scrolling in one of an upward direction and a downward direction, wherein the corresponding predefined closing credits attribute is a predefined direction of movement of the text of the closing credits, and wherein determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event comprises: grabbing a second image frame after the first image frame; determining a first location of the identified text in the first image frame; determining a second location of the identified text in the second image frame; determining a direction of movement of the identified text from the first location to the second location; determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event if the determined direction of movement of the identified text matches a predefined direction of movement.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a time that is associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event; determining a time difference between a real time and the time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event; changing a previously defined recording end time to an adjusted recording end time by adding the determined time difference to the previously defined recording end time; and initiating an end of the recording of the user-specified media content event when the real time reaches the adjusted recording end time.
 13. The method of claim 1, determining a time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event; and comparing the time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event with a previously defined recording start time, wherein the recording of the user-specified media content event to be recorded begins at the previously defined recording start time when the time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event occurs ahead of the previously defined recording end time.
 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event; and comparing the time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event with a previously defined recording start time, wherein the recording of the user-specified media content event to be recorded begins at the previously defined recording start time when the time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event occurs ahead of the previously defined recording end time, wherein the method further comprises, when the time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event occurs after the previously defined recording end time: determining a time difference between a real time and the time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event; changing a previously defined recording start time to an adjusted recording start time by adding the determined time difference to the previously defined recording start time; and initiating an start of the recording of the user-specified media content event when the real time reaches the adjusted recording start time.
 15. A media device, comprising: a memory medium configured to store a recording of a user-specified media content event as the user-specified media content event is being received in a media content stream by the media device; a system clock that outputs real time; a memory that stores at least: a channel identifier that identifies a channel in the media content stream that the user-specified media content event is received; a previously defined recording start time that defines when the recording of the user-specified media content event is to be initiated; a previously defined recording end time that defines when the recording of the user-specified media content event is to be concluded; and a closing credits monitor duration, wherein the closing credits monitor duration; and a processor system that is communicatively coupled to the memory medium, the system clock, and the memory, wherein the processor system is configured to: determine a closing credits monitor time, wherein the closing credits monitor time is the previously defined recording end time less the closing credits monitor duration; compare the real time output from the system clock with the closing credits monitor time; analyze a preceding broadcasting media content event when real time reaches the closing credits monitor time to identify an occurrence of closing credits in the monitored preceding broadcasting media content event; and initiate a start of the recording of the user-specified media content event in response to identifying the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event.
 16. The media device of claim 15, further comprising: a communication system interface configured to communicatively couple the media device to an electronic device having a remote closing credits database via a communication network, wherein the media device communicates a request to receive the corresponding predefined closing credits attribute, wherein the request from the media device includes the identifier of the preceding broadcasting media content event, wherein the electronic device accesses the corresponding predefined closing credits attribute from the remote closing credits database based on a unique identifier of the preceding broadcasting media content event, and wherein the media device receives a corresponding predefined closing credits attribute associated with the preceding broadcasting media content event from the electronic device, wherein the processor system is further configured to: analyze attributes of an image frame of the monitored preceding broadcasting media content event; compare the analyzed attribute of the image frame with the predefined closing credits attribute associated with the preceding broadcasting media content event; and identify the occurrence of the closing credits in the monitored preceding broadcasting media content event when the analyzed attribute of the image frame is the same as the predefined closing credits attribute associated with the preceding broadcasting media content event.
 17. The media device of claim 15, wherein the memory stores a plurality of predefined closing credits attributes in a closing credits database, and wherein the processor system is further configured to: retrieve the corresponding predefined closing credits attribute associated with the preceding broadcasting media content event from the closing credits database; analyze attributes of an image frame of the monitored preceding broadcasting media content event; compare the analyzed attribute of the image frame with the predefined closing credits attribute associated with the preceding broadcasting media content event; and identify the occurrence of the closing credits in the monitored preceding broadcasting media content event when the analyzed attribute of the image frame is the same as the predefined closing credits attribute associated with the preceding broadcasting media content event.
 18. The media device of claim 15, wherein the processor system is further configured to: determine a time that is associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event; determine a time difference between a real time and the time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event; change the previously defined recording end time to an adjusted recording end time by adding the determined time difference to the previously defined recording end time; and initiate an end of the recording of the user-specified media content event when the real time reaches the adjusted recording end time.
 19. A method for recording a user-specified media content event at a media device, the method comprising: grabbing a series of subsequently received image frames from a preceding broadcasting media content event received at the media device after a monitored real time reaches a closing credits monitor time, wherein the closing credits monitor time is a previously defined recording start time of the user-specified media content event less a predefined duration; analyzing each of the image frames to identify an occurrence of text presented in the analyzed image frame; determining that the identified text corresponds to closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event if at least one attribute of the identified text matches a corresponding predefined closing credits attribute; and initiating a start of the recording of the user-specified media content event in response to determining that the identified text corresponds to the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event.
 20. The method of claim 19, determining a time that is associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event; determining a time difference between a real time and the time associated with the closing credits of the preceding broadcasting media content event; changing a previously defined recording end time to an adjusted recording end time by adding the determined time difference to the previously defined recording end time; and initiating an end of the recording of the user-specified media content event when the real time reaches the adjusted recording end time. 